Pol Sembrano is a Filipino-American composer and classically trained pianist from Seattle who has now established his own sonic and spiritual imprint on emotionally charged and immersive synth pop, new wave and electronic music. After the initial teaser EP release of his early singles mixes, Pol has officially launched the roll-out of his upcoming self-titled album, due in February 2026. The album is produced by Canadian heavyweight musician (Belvedere, Vixin) and producer, Casey Lewis of Echo Base Studios. The music is danceable and experimental at the same time. A thought-provoking party vibe the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the late 00s or even the 80s.
The lead single, “Anywhere”, is multi-layered and offers a singular deep dive into the upcoming album. Released September 9th, “Anywhere” showcases Pol Sembrano’s unique gift of deep communication, vulnerability, innate wisdom and knack for pop-infused melodies. Fans of artists like the Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, Blondie, New Order, Future Utopia, The New Pornographers, CHVRCHES, Erasure, Poolside and even Madonna will find inspiration in this brilliant and wide open creative mind.
“Anywhere” is entirely upbeat, fully adventurous and about a fearless embrace of the beauty surrounding us.
“I wrote the song “Anywhere” as a homage to world travel as I have been visiting different nations regularly for the past few decades. Setting foot in a new country and experiencing its culture, sights, cuisine and people is, for me, an unforgettable experience. My father, before he passed, mentioned that traveling is the best education and one should not limit oneself to a predictable comfort zone or personal confines. It is especially worthwhile to travel with someone whom you love since both are creating long lasting memories to be shared. Life, in my world, is more about experiences and less about routines of day to day living.
I am fortunate to have visited fifty-seven countries during my lifetime, Taiwan being the most recent. Other countries I’ve explored include Ecuador, Moracco, Croatia, Sweden (since I am a huge ABBA fan) and Malta. I anticipate many more destinations in my future since the world is a huge place, then again, it isn’t.
My most unforgettable travel moment was visiting Thailand on December 26, 2004. I was at West Railay Beach in the southern part of the country when the southeast tsunami occurred (due to a massive 9.2-9.3 earthquake in the Indian Ocean). As I saw the wall of water approaching the beach I ended up gathering my belongings and headed inland, hoping to escape the enormous wave. Unfortunately, I was engulfed by the water and was completely submerged amidst rocks and other debris. When the wave made its way back to sea I was completely disoriented and was trying to make sense of it all. I was incredibly fortunate to have lived to tell this story.
This unforgettable episode in my life will surely not hinder me from traveling. It will, however, remind me that life is precious and I need to make the most of my time to experience new things and most of all – express myself through my music”
With a focus on vintage synths inspired by experimental artists of the 80s and 90s, Sembrano also puts an emphasis on his existential lyrics. It’s a form of artistry he likely wasn’t able to explore much as a classical pianist, not to mention programming. But he has embraced this expression wholeheartedly.
We Rave You calls his sound “A Sonic Odyssey of Love, Loss, and Liberation”, and Big Takeover Magazine describes it as “danceable yet thought-provoking, nostalgic and fresh” while likening the sound to Depeche Mode and New Order. Grungecake commented that Pol “combines intricate melodies, existential lyrics, and a polished production style reminiscent of icons like Depeche Mode, New Order, and Blondie.”